Apple has agreed to pay $95 million (£77 million) to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing its virtual assistant, Siri, of recording private conversations without users’ consent. The settlement, filed in federal court in Oakland, California, resolves a five-year legal dispute and affects millions of Apple device owners across the U.S.

While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to the payout, allowing individuals who owned Siri-enabled devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, to claim up to $20 per device. The lawsuit centers on claims that Siri was unintentionally activated without the usual “Hey, Siri” wake word, leading to private conversations being recorded and shared with third parties, including advertisers.

The plaintiffs allege that these recorded conversations, which often focused on personal discussions about products or services, led to targeted advertisements for the very items discussed. For example, users reported that conversations about specific medical treatments or branded products, such as Air Jordans, appeared to trigger related ads shortly afterward.

This legal settlement could tarnish Apple’s reputation for prioritizing user privacy, a core element of the company’s branding under CEO Tim Cook. Apple has long positioned itself as a leader in safeguarding customer data, contrasting itself with competitors in the tech industry.

Despite the settlement’s potential impact on Apple’s privacy image, the payout represents only a small fraction of the company’s profits. Since 2014, Apple has accumulated an estimated $705 billion in profits. The $95 million settlement, while significant, is a minor financial impact for the tech giant.

The proposed settlement still requires court approval, with a hearing scheduled for February 14 in Oakland. If the settlement is approved, eligible U.S. customers who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and the end of 2023 will be able to submit claims for compensation.

Additionally, lawyers representing the plaintiffs may request legal fees and expenses from the settlement fund, which could amount to as much as $29.6 million.

This settlement marks the latest chapter in a long-running legal battle over privacy concerns, highlighting growing scrutiny of tech companies’ handling of user data.

Plans for the introduction of a UK “digital pound” are facing significant challenges as Bank of England officials grow increasingly sceptical about the project. The idea of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), often referred to as “Britcoin,” was initially slated for a formal decision in 2025, with an expected launch by 2030. However, concerns surrounding privacy, costs, and persistent conspiracy theories are raising fresh doubts about whether the digital pound will ever come to fruition.

A digital pound would theoretically offer consumers a secure, electronic form of money, with transactions managed through smartphone apps and underpinned by the safety of central bank backing. However, some critics, including certain politicians and conspiracy theorists, fear that a CBDC could enable the government to monitor and control citizens’ spending. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, has warned that a digital pound could give the state “total control over our lives.”

These concerns, combined with the practical challenges of creating a national digital currency, have put the project in jeopardy. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Bank of England officials remain divided on whether the benefits of a digital pound outweigh its potential risks. The final decision will ultimately rest with Bank governor Andrew Bailey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The global context is also complicating the UK’s plans. In the United States, lawmakers recently passed an “anti-surveillance” bill in the House of Representatives, aiming to block the launch of a digital dollar unless Congress explicitly authorizes it. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is expected to make a decision by the end of 2025 on whether to proceed with the development of a digital euro, despite resistance from Germany’s conservative Christian Democrats, who are concerned about user privacy.

This hesitation reflects broader caution over CBDCs, particularly those intended for everyday use by retail customers. While the UK and European authorities initially viewed CBDCs as a necessary response to private stablecoins, such as Facebook’s now-defunct Libra, enthusiasm has waned due to technical and political challenges.

Despite growing skepticism over retail-focused digital currencies, the push for a “wholesale” CBDC, intended for use among commercial banks and financial institutions, remains strong. Policymakers believe that a wholesale CBDC could streamline interbank transactions and reduce systemic risks without raising the same privacy concerns.

A Bank of England spokesperson confirmed that work on the digital pound is still “ongoing,” with no formal decision yet made on whether to proceed. The spokesperson emphasized that, should a digital pound be introduced, it would be accompanied by primary legislation to safeguard user privacy and control over their funds.